Senior Prototype Build Technician

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, an aerospace company in San Jose, California, seeks a Prototype Build Technician to assemble, troubleshoot, and maintain custom machinery powering development and certification efforts. You will work closely with engineers to translate drawings into real solutions and support R&D activities for cutting‑edge flight hardware.

The role emphasizes building from complex documentation, high‑voltage safety, and precision fabrication, with a focus on rapid problem solving in a fast‑paced lab

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent hands‑on experience in mechanical, automotive, or electronics engineering.
• Multidisciplinary expertise in mechanical systems, pneumatics, and hydraulics with troubleshooting skills.
• Soldering, electronics fabrication, and wire harness assembly proficiency with wiring standards knowledge.
• Experience with high‑voltage safety and OSHA standards is required.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (NX/CATIA/SolidWorks) to interpret designs and inspect parts.
• Strong written communication and ability to document processes in Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Execute end‑to‑end builds of complex electromechanical systems from drawings and schematics.
• Collaborate with engineers to identify as‑built challenges and suggest improvements.
• Support R&D and validation of new assembly processes for flight hardware.
• Build and integrate wire harnesses and electrical subsystems per technical docs.
• Maintain a world‑class lab by performing routine equipment upkeep and safety checks.
• Identify, order, and procure tools and materials to keep build schedules on track.
• Draft and mentor others on assembly procedures and best practices.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

Wire harnessing

Soldering

Documentation (Google Workspace)

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent hands‑on experience

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

MIG welding

TIG welding

Mill/Lathe

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

About The Team

At Archer’s Production Realization Lab, we build the electromechanical infrastructure that makes flight possible. We bring everything from megawatt-scale dynamometers and complex electrical test stands to bespoke mechanical equipment from concept to reality.

We are seeking a Prototype Build Technician to support the Test Equipment Design and Build team. In this role, you will be responsible for building, troubleshooting, and maintaining the custom machinery that powers our development, validation, and certification efforts. The ideal candidate is a versatile technician who thrives on building from drawings, solving problems on the fly, and collaborating with engineers in a fast-paced environment to push the boundaries of aviation.

What You’ll Do:

• Execute End-to-End Builds: Assemble complex electromechanical systems, ranging from precision mechanical assemblies to high-power electrical enclosures, using engineering drawings and schematics.
• Bridge Design & Reality: Collaborate directly with engineers to identify "as-built" challenges, providing real-time feedback and suggesting design or process improvements to streamline production.
• Drive Prototype Development: Support critical R&D activities, including proof-of-concept builds and the validation of new assembly processes for cutting-edge flight hardware.
• Precision Electrical Fabrication: Build and integrate high-quality wire harnesses and electrical subsystems based on detailed technical documentation.
• Maintain Lab Excellence: Ensure a world-class workspace by performing routine equipment maintenance and collaborating with the team to uphold safety and organizational standards.
• Manage Resources: Proactively identify, order, and procure the specialized tools, hardware, and materials necessary to keep build schedules on track.
• Standardize & Mentor: Author and update assembly procedures to document best practices, and provide hands‑on training to fellow technicians and engineers during complex validations.

What You Need:

• Education: Associate’s Degree or equivalent hands‑on experience in automotive, mechanical, or electronics engineering, with a proven track record of building from complex engineering documentation.
• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Proficient in mechanical systems, pneumatics, and hydraulics, with a deep understanding of how to troubleshoot and refine integrated electro‑mechanical equipment.
• Precision Electrical Skills: Mastery of soldering, electronics fabrication, and wire harness assembly, backed by a working knowledge of NFPA and IEC wiring standards.
• High‑Voltage & Safety Literacy: Experience working safely with high‑voltage systems and a solid command of OSHA machine safety standards and 5S workplace organization.
• Precision Measurement & CAD: Skilled in using inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.) and comfortable navigating CAD software (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) to interpret designs.
• Operational Excellence: High standards for workmanship and quality, with the written communication skills to document processes clearly via Google Workspace.
• Physical Readiness: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs in a fast‑paced shop environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Advanced Fabrication: Proficiency in MIG and/or TIG welding and manual machining (mill and lathe) to modify or create parts on the fly.
• Specialized Environment: Prior experience navigating the unique demands of R&D, prototype, or lab‑based environments where requirements evolve rapidly.
• Automation & Testing: Familiarity with custom‑built test equipment or automated systems, including a baseline understanding of how hardware integrates with software controls.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay‑for‑performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $50.00 - $60.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre‑employment and random drug screening.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

Job posting details for Senior Prototype Build Technician at Archer in San Jose, California, United States. . ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 477 climate tech companies and updates them daily.